af·flict (ə-flĭkt') tr.v.
af·flict·ed, af·flict·ing, af·flicts To inflict grievous physical or mental suffering on.
[Middle English afflighten, from afflight, disturbed, frightened, from Latin afflictum, past participle of afflīgere, to cast down : ad-, ad- + flīgere, to strike.] af·flict'er n., af·flic'tive adj., af·flic'tive·ly adv.
Synonyms: These verbs mean to bring great harm or suffering to someone: afflicted with arthritis; was agonized to see her suffering; racked with cancer; tormented by migraine headaches; tortured by painful memories.